OPINION

Venture capital was built to chase unicorns. Then markets reward them once they emerge. But unicorns alone can’t stop climate shocks. They can’t regenerate soils, and they can’t redistribute power to communities living on the frontlines of crisis. If we keep funding climate innovation as if we are hunting for the next hot tech company, we will keep getting isolated wins, instead of the systems change we need to meet the climate challenge. 

The climate crisis demands something different. Something more holistic. Something more interconnected. It demands entrepreneurship that works like a forest, not like the quest to find a unicorn. 

That means funding ecosystems. It means supporting the connective tissue between entrepreneurs, communities, investors, and governments. It means treating trust, relationships, and collective learning as legitimate outcomes, not as “soft” by-products. Because resilience doesn’t emerge in isolation from stand-alone ventures. It grows when ventures are linked up inside living systems. 

Moving beyond single ventures 
For the past decade, climate entrepreneurship has largely borrowed the tools of traditional venture capital. The focus has been on single businesses, evaluated on individual milestones: revenue, patents, avoided CO2 or jobs created. These measures are important, but they don’t add up to resilience on their own. As a result, too often venture capital rewards short-term outputs that look good in a report but do little to transform the structures that hold economies and communities in place. 

This narrow model is especially ill-suited for the climate challenges. Early-stage financing rewards speed and scale, not collaboration and endurance. It prioritises commercial returns above social and environmental ones. And it leaves entrepreneurs competing for resources rather than collaborating to build shared capacities. 

At Climate KIC, we know this tension well. We have used these tools while also critiquing their limits. What we have learned is clear: the climate crisis cannot be tackled venture by venture. The systemic nature of the problem demands a systemic model of entrepreneurship. 

What systemic entrepreneurship looks like 
Systemic entrepreneurship does not replace venture building; it reimagines the context around it. Instead of backing ad hoc projects, funders support networks of entrepreneurs. Instead of chasing individual “heroes,” we nurture collective heroism. Instead of short bursts of output, we build capacities and relationships that endure. 

At its heart, the shift is from transactional to transformational thinking: from isolated deals to ecosystem dynamics. It is about financing portfolios that blend commercial innovation with social impact, circularity, and resilience, and about weaving together the fragmented efforts of start-ups, entrepreneur support organisations, public authorities, and investors into something that behaves like a living system: adaptive, connected, and resilient.  

Just as forests draw their resilience from the root systems beneath them, the strength of systemic entrepreneurship lies in the trust, relationships, and shared capacities that anchor ventures and allow them to weather shocks. 

The story on the ground 
Consider Nairobi. Through our Innovation Cluster, ten start-ups piloted upstream solutions in partnership with informal waste workers. Gjenge Makers is turning plastic waste into durable, low-cost bricks for housing. LeafyLife is converting used cooking oil into affordable clean fuel. Ecomak Recyclers is scaling circular plastics solutions while integrating female waste pickers into their operations. Collectively, these start-ups supported 792 informal workers in 2024 and cut emissions by an estimated 15 kilo tonnes CO₂eq: the annual equivalent of four large wind turbines. 

In Bengaluru, our Innovation Cluster supported ventures such as PadCare Labs, which has pioneered sanitary waste recycling technology, and AmplePac, which is building refill-and-return packaging systems for consumer goods. Alongside five other ventures, they supported 135 informal workers and adopted measurable strategies to strengthen social inclusion and gender equity. 

The ventures highlighted represent just a fraction of each cluster’s work. In both Nairobi and Bengaluru, the clusters not only fostered collaboration between ventures, but also focused on market shaping, government partnerships, behaviour change, understanding financial and policy barriers, and building capacity to strengthen the broader ecosystem. 

This approach works beyond circular economy ventures. In Tanzania, our Adaptation Innovation Cluster brought seven youth-led organisations together in Arusha for training on climate policy, negotiation, and storytelling, using CARE International’s Toolkit for Youth on Adaptation & Leadership. The outcome was not a single product launch, but a cohort of leaders equipped to influence national climate adaptation strategies and mobilise their communities. 

As part of our work on sustainable mobility in Slovenia, start-ups collaborated with city authorities to pilot solutions for decarbonising transport systems. These included shared e-mobility platforms and digital tools to optimise public transit. Here, entrepreneurship was embedded into policy experimentation, giving ventures a chance to shape systemic transitions rather than operate on the margins. 

And in Ireland, start-ups such as Agrolinera and SpaceCrop connected their solutions to challenges identified across the country's agrifood system. This showed how portfolios of interventions can be precisely matched to the local climate priorities defined by governments and communities. 

These are not isolated success stories. Across our portfolio, Climate KIC connects more than 10,000 ventures, 400 partners, mentors, and investors in over 80 countries. Programmes like Climathon, ClimateLaunchpad, and ClimAccelerator have scaled thousands of climate solutions while also creating a knowledge base of tools, mentorship, and impact metrics. When pieced together, these assets - and those of partners - form something closer to a dynamic network rather than a collection of projects. Like a mycelium, they weave individual nodes into an ecosystem capable of adaptation, resilience, and scale. 

Why funders matter now 
These examples are only the beginning. They are seeds. To grow them into forests, funders must operate differently to create real impact: 

• Look beyond mere quick wins that are nice on paper but don’t have lasting impact. 
  • Urgently start backing more of the thoughtful, meaningful, patient work of building  
     relationships, trust,  and long-term capacity. 
  • Fund boldly in overlooked communities. 
  • Treat uncertainty and collective learning as legitimate outcomes. 
  • Pair care with urgency by supporting innovations today that show real potential to  
     shift systems. 

There are signs of readiness. Mission-driven philanthropies and progressive public funders are already experimenting with portfolio approaches, blended finance, and ecosystem-building. They see that lasting resilience will not come from stand-alone wins but from ecosystems of ventures and communities working together. 

The choice in front of us 
Systemic entrepreneurship is coming, whether funders embrace it or not. The only question is whether we act early enough to shape it. If we do, the funding landscape in ten years could look very different. Capital could flow into interconnected initiatives that regenerate ecosystems, redistribute power, and create the conditions for communities to thrive in the face of climate shocks. 

But if we hesitate, if we keep treating resilience as a line item in a business plan rather than a property of whole systems, we risk watching promising solutions wither in isolation. Resilience is not built on unicorns. It is built like a forest: slowly, collectively, and with deep roots. The sooner we finance it that way, the sooner communities can stand strong against the storms to come. 

The good news is that we are not alone in this thinking - others are thinking along the same lines and taking action, and we need everyone’s participation. This is not about competition, but a growing groundswell of support to reimagine how we do entrepreneurship in service of climate action. 
 
The climate crisis gives us no time for hesitation. Funders who act now will shape the future. Those who don’t will be left behind. 

Chris Roe, Entrepreneurship, Solutions & Ventures Orchestrator at Climate KIC 

NAIROBI, Kenya (PAMACC News) – A €45 million partnership has been launched by the IKEA Foundation and SNV to reimagine how food and energy systems work together in Eastern Africa.

The five-year initiative, known as the Power for Food Partnership, will roll out in Uganda, Ethiopia, Rwanda, and Kenya with the aim of boosting resilience, improving livelihoods, and driving systemic change at the intersection of regenerative agriculture (RA) and the productive use of renewable energy (PURE).

Breaking silos to build resilience

For decades, food and energy systems in the region have developed in isolation. Farmers tested sustainable practices on one side, while renewable energy projects expanded separately on the other. This fragmentation limited their combined impact.

“This partnership is an opportunity to think differently about how systems can work together, and who gets to shape them,” said Annemieke Beekmans, Director of Technical Expertise at SNV. “Beyond a technical overlap, the focus on nexus points between regenerative agriculture and productive use of renewable energy, through better coordination, smarter, more inclusive investment and the primacy of stronger local leadership are vital to scaling outcomes. In a time of increasing fragmentation, values-driven partnerships like this are a way to build the kind of enabling environment that long-term, inclusive and sustainable development actually requires.”

Farmers at the frontline of climate change

The need for such integration is urgent. In Uganda, climate models predict that shifting rainfall patterns could reduce maize yields nationally by up to 10 percent in the near future. Across the region, most rural households remain off-grid, leaving farmers unable to irrigate crops, process harvests, or preserve produce.

While technologies like solar-powered irrigation, cold storage, and decentralized agro-processing already exist, uptake is hampered by affordability challenges, policy barriers, and weak infrastructure. For women and youth, who already face systemic barriers in accessing land, credit, and decision-making spaces, the challenges are even steeper.

Locally-led solutions at the core

The Power for Food Partnership is designed to address these gaps through locally-led innovations and systemic collaboration. By bringing together communities, governments, civil society, and private sector actors, the initiative will create an enabling environment where regenerative agriculture and renewable energy can reinforce each other.

“This partnership is rooted in trust and shared purpose. It’s about standing alongside communities who are leading change from within. By connecting regenerative agriculture and renewable energy, we’re supporting locally driven innovations that respond to real needs and lived experiences. We’re proud to partner with SNV and local leaders in building systems that are resilient, inclusive, and shaped by those most affected,” said Marilia Bezerra, Chief Programme Officer of IKEA Foundation.

A new chapter of collaboration

The partnership builds on earlier collaboration between IKEA Foundation and SNV dating back to 2019, which piloted approaches and generated learning in the same four countries. That experience laid the groundwork for this larger, longer-term commitment.

With this investment in its first phase, the Power for Food Partnership signals a bold new effort to bridge fragmented systems, tackle structural inequalities, and empower communities to build resilience in the face of climate change.

NAIROBI, Kenya (PAMACC News) - For decades, Kenya’s smallholder farmers have leaned heavily on synthetic fertilizers and chemical pesticides to sustain crop yields in the face of erratic weather patterns, invasive pests, and rising food demand. But this reliance has come at a steep cost: depleted soils, contaminated water sources, declining biodiversity, and mounting health concerns for both farmers and consumers.

Now, Kenya is rewriting that story—starting from the ground up.

In 2024, the government launched the National Agroecology Strategy, a landmark policy framework designed to steer the country toward environmentally sustainable, health-conscious, and socially just food systems. At the same time, counties like Murang’a and Vihiga have taken the lead in implementing local agroecology policies aimed at helping farmers transition from chemical-intensive agriculture to nature-based solutions, including the use of bio-products such as organic fertilizers and biopesticides.

Agroecology is more than just organic farming—it is a holistic approach that integrates ecological principles into every part of the food system, from soil health and seed diversity to market access and consumer awareness.

Murang’a and Vihiga have crafted county-specific agroecology policies that incentivize the use of bio-inputs, improve extension services, and promote soil and biodiversity conservation.

In the central highlands, Murang’a County was the first to implement the policy, which paved way to agroecological innovation. The policy sets clear targets: phasing out toxic synthetic inputs, increasing farmer access to organic fertilizers, and promoting the use of biopesticides for the benefit of human health and the environment.

The same is now happening in Vihiga County, in the Western part of the country.

“We’ve already started training our extension officers on the use of bio-products,” says Dr Wilber Ottichilo, the County Governor for Vihiga. “We want to build local knowledge on how beneficial microorganisms, composts, and natural pest repellents can work just as effectively—if not better—than synthetic chemicals.”

The Governor adds that the county is also supporting farmer groups to produce their own organic inputs like fermented bokashi fertilizers, vermi compost and biopesticides using locally available materials. “This not only lowers input costs but also creates new income opportunities,” he says.

The county boss also wants Vihiga residents to diversify their crops, given the small sizes of land owned by individual households.

“Our goal is to reverse the damage caused by years of over-reliance on synthetic fertilizers and pesticides, reliance on growing only maize and beans and give farmers alternative nutritious and also income generating indigenous vegetables and food security crops such as sweet potatoes and cassava,” said Dr Ottichilo

One of the campaigns currently in many parts of the country is Healthy Soil, Healthy Food campaign, driven by AFSA to promotes composting, agroforestry, and the use of microbial-based soil enhancers. Through partnerships with NGOs and local cooperatives, farmers are also learning how to prepare and apply organic pest control products.

“After switching from chemical inputs to bio-fertilizers and intercropping with legumes, my maize yields improved without harming the soil,” says Moses Omwenga, a smallholder farmer from Emuhaya. “It’s a new mindset, but the results are real.”

Transitioning to agroecology isn’t just about banning chemicals—it requires infrastructure, research, and community support. Both Murang’a and Vihiga are investing in farmer training programs, establishing community seed banks, and promoting participatory research with local institutions.

They are also collaborating with private-sector players who produce certified bio-products, making it easier for farmers to access safe and affordable alternatives.

“Policy is important, but practice is where transformation happens,” says Ferdinand Wafula, the Founder - Bio Gardening Innovations (BIOGI). “The counties that are succeeding are the ones backing their words with resources, farmer training, and real incentives to go green,” he said.

“For too long, farmers have been trapped in a cycle of buying expensive chemical inputs that damage their soils and health. Agroecology offers a way out—a system that restores the land while reducing production costs and ensuring safer food for our communities,” says Wafula.

Kenya’s agroecology strategy, supported by pioneering county policies, signals a turning point in the country’s agricultural journey—away from chemical dependency and toward a food system that is healthier, more inclusive, and more resilient to climate shocks.

With farmers like Omwenga at the forefront, and with continued political will at national and county levels, Kenya is proving that the future of farming lies not in the laboratory—but in the living soils.

NAIROBI, Kenya - (PAMACC News) The African Forest Forum (AFF), in partnership with the Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (SLU) and the Kenya Forestry Research Institute (KEFRI), have launched the AfricanYouth4Forests (AY4F) Community of Practice, an interactive platform designed to empower young professionals, students and entrepreneurs in the forestry sector across Africa.

The AY4F Community of Practice will serve as a collaborative space where members can exchange ideas, share best practices, and co-create innovative solutions to advance forest conservation, enhance climate resilience, and unlock green economy opportunities.

Through knowledge-sharing, capacity-building, and networking, the platform aims to equip Africa’s youth with the tools and resources needed to address pressing environmental challenges and contribute meaningfully to sustainable forest management.

The live discussions will run from March 31 – April 11 virtually via Howspace. The program will feature interactive chat discussions during the first week and live webinars in the second week, ensuring an engaging and dynamic learning experience.

Prof. Labode Popoola, Executive Secretary-CEO of AFF, emphasized the significance of engaging young people in forestry:

“We recognize the critical role that young people play in shaping the future of Africa’s forests and tree resources. By providing a dynamic and inclusive space for engagement, we are fostering the next generation of forestry leaders and equipping them with the skills and knowledge to drive positive change.”

Dr. Jane Njuguna, CEO of KEFRI, emphasized the importance of the virtual event, stating:

“We are proud to collaborate with AFF and SLU on this AfricanYouth4Forests (AY4F) initiative, which empowers youth to take an active role in environmental stewardship and the sustainable management of our forests.”

Sara Gräslund, Head of SLU Global, underscored the role of youth in sustainable forestry:

"Africa’s youth is crucial in re-thinking sustainable forest management. There are great opportunities in acknowledging this and working together with young professionals and students who drive climate resilience, unlock green economy opportunities, and shape the future of forests.”

The launch of the AY4F Community of Practice aligns with AFF’s broader mission to promote sustainable forest management and ensure that Africa’s forests continue to provide essential ecological, social, and economic benefits. With support from SLU and KEFRI, the initiative will facilitate research collaborations, mentorship programs, networking, and policy dialogues to enhance youth participation in forestry and environmental governance.

Young changemakers, students, educators, activists, scientists, experts and policy makers in the forestry sector are invited to join the AY4F Community of Practice and be part of this transformative journey towards a greener and more sustainable Africa.